How hard is the water in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas water has a hardness level of 18 GPG (304 PPM), which is classified as "Very Hard." This places Las Vegas among the top 10% of cities with the hardest water in the United States.

Where does Las Vegas get its water?

Approximately 90% of Las Vegas water comes from Lake Mead via the Colorado River. The remaining 10% comes from the Las Vegas Valley groundwater aquifer. The water travels through mineral-rich geological formations, picking up calcium and magnesium along the way.

Is Las Vegas hard water safe to drink?

Yes, Las Vegas water is safe to drink. The Las Vegas Valley Water District tests water for 91 EPA-regulated contaminants and meets or exceeds all federal and state safety standards. Water hardness (calcium and magnesium) poses no health risks—it's an aesthetic and practical concern, not a health one.

Do I need a water softener in Las Vegas?

With water hardness at 18 GPG, a salt-based water softener is the most effective solution for Las Vegas homes. Hard water causes scale buildup in pipes and appliances, reduces soap effectiveness, and can leave spots on dishes and fixtures. A water softener removes calcium and magnesium through ion exchange.

What problems does hard water cause in Las Vegas?

Las Vegas hard water commonly causes: white chalky deposits around faucets and drains, reduced soap lather, dry skin and hair, mineral buildup in water heaters and appliances (reducing efficiency and lifespan), water spots on dishes and shower doors, and scale in pipes that can reduce water pressure over time.

Water Hardness in Las Vegas, Nevada

Official water hardness data from the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD)

Hardness Level

18 GPG

304 PPM

Classification

Very Hard

Water Source

Lake Mead

Colorado River

Last Updated

June 2025

CCR Report

What This Means For You

At 18 grains per gallon (GPG), Las Vegas has some of the hardest water in the United States. Water is classified as "very hard" when it exceeds 10.5 GPG—Las Vegas water is nearly double that threshold.

Approximately 90% of Las Vegas water comes from Lake Mead on the Colorado River, with the remaining 10% from the Las Vegas Valley groundwater aquifer. The Colorado River originates from snowmelt in the Rocky Mountains, flowing through mineral-rich canyons and ancient limestone seabeds, which contributes to the high mineral content.

While hard water is completely safe to drink (calcium and magnesium are essential minerals), it causes practical problems in homes: scale buildup in pipes and water heaters, reduced appliance efficiency, spotty dishes, dry skin and hair, and the need for more soap and detergent.

Mineral Composition

Calcium

79 mg/L

Magnesium

26 mg/L

Sodium

98 mg/L

Total Dissolved Solids

642 mg/L

Sulfate

235 mg/L

Chloride

104 mg/L

Hardness by Area

Main Las Vegas ValleyConsistent 304 PPM / 18 GPG across the main service area

Blue DiamondSupplied by groundwater wells; hardness may vary

Kyle CanyonSupplied by local bedrock aquifer wells; separate monitoring

JeanSupplied by wells in Ivanpah Valley; separate monitoring

SearchlightSupplied by wells in Piute Valley; separate monitoring

Frequently Asked Questions

Official Source

Data sourced from the official Consumer Confidence Report published by the Las Vegas Valley Water District (LVVWD).

View Official Water Quality Report →